What if my oven caught on fire while self cleaning?

Author: Sylvia Dickinson  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Get out of the house and Call 911. The fire department will respond to investigate. Self-cleaning oven feature heats up the oven to 900 degrees to incinerate food particles.

What to do if your oven catches fire while self-cleaning?

How do I put out a self-cleaning oven fire? If your oven catches fire, the safety lock will make it impossible to open the oven until it completes its cleaning cycle. This means that the fire will be contained in the oven, and without oxygen, it will eventually burn out.

Is it normal for an oven to smoke during self-cleaning?

The smoke is 100% normal. The self-cleaning oven cleans by burning the grime away, typically reaching temps over 700F 375C to do so. Air your place out. When the oven is clean and cool, wipe the ashes out with a damp rag, rinsing it frequently.

Is it safe to be in house when the oven is self-cleaning?

Yes, you can leave the house while the oven is self-cleaning, but there are some precautions you should take: Ventilation: Ensure that the kitchen is well-ventilated. The self-cleaning process can produce smoke and odors due to the high temperatures involved.

Can you use an oven after it caught fire?

Although most believe you should replace all appliances after a fire, it may not always be necessary. If you clean the oven thoroughly and it's functioning properly, it is most likely safe to use again after a fire. If you want to be extra careful, you should also check for cracks in the walls and ceiling of the oven.

Flames Shooting Up - Self Cleaning Oven Fire - Jan 18, 2017

What not to use after a house fire?

After a house fire, do not make an attempt to use any electrical appliances, it might ignite another fire and cause further damage.

Are oven burns serious?

Oven and stovetop cooking burns are common, with victims ranging from novices to expert chefs. And while most burns are trivial enough for at-home care, some may pose a serious health issue.

Is it safe to sleep while oven is self-cleaning?

First and foremost, don't leave your oven unattended during self-cleaning. You should plan to be in your home for the entire duration of the cleaning cycle to keep an eye on it and make sure everything is operating as planned. The next most important rules for oven self-cleaning involve ventilation.

What happens if you leave oven racks in during self-cleaning?

While the convenience of leaving the racks in might be tempting, the self-clean cycle involves intense heat that can lead to unintended consequences. Leaving the racks in during this process can result in warping, discoloration, and even potential damage to the oven's internal components.

Can you stop an oven during self-cleaning?

Can I Stop My Self-Cleaning Oven Early? You can usually cancel your oven's self-clean cycle at any time, but you likely won't be able to access your oven right away. The cycle uses extremely high temperatures to clean, triggering the oven door to lock automatically. The door will unlock once the oven is cool enough.

How do you get rid of self-cleaning oven fumes?

How do you get a self-cleaning oven smell out of your house? I clear the smoke by opening a kitchen window and aiming a pedestal fan to sweep the kitchen air out of the house as quickly as possible. This is pretty successful at preventing the smoke from getting to the rest of the house, too.

How long does it take to self-clean an oven?

The self-cleaning cycle that you choose depends on the level of soil. On average, high heat self-cleaning ovens require anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3 hours, and even 6 hours on some models. For ovens that use a steam-cleaning feature, cycle times are generally shorter, under an hour for cleaning and cooldown.

How long will an oven smoke after cleaning?

So, after cleaning and a good wipe down with a damp rag, heat up the oven to its maximum temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Mind you, some smoke may be emitted from the cleaning product, but that will only be for several minutes if there is no chemical residue left somewhere.

How smokey does a self-cleaning oven get?

A small amount of smoke is considered normal. Any excessive amount of spillover such as juices, oil or liquid grease which is not baked on should be wiped out of the oven before running a Self-Clean cycle. If a lot of smoke occurs during Self-Cleaning, it is caused by excessive grease or soil inside the oven.

Why did my oven catch on fire?

Oven fires can spark for several reasons, from common user errors to appliance malfunctions. Grease and oil can quickly cause a flame when they come in contact with an oven surface. But even something like cake or cookie batter can become ablaze if it spills onto the oven.

Will baking soda harm a self-cleaning oven?

No, baking soda will not harm a self-cleaning oven.

Is it safe to be inside while oven is self-cleaning?

Additionally, users run a risk of inhaling harmful carbon monoxide during an oven's self clean cycle. . As we mentioned with the fumes, keeping some windows and doors open can help limit this risk. It's also a great idea to always have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home, just in case.

How safe are self-cleaning ovens?

It's largely safe for you and your home

One of the most important tests administered for high-heat self-cleaning cycles, he said, is making sure that the oven door locks once the interior temperature hits 600 °F. This prevents oxygen from getting into the oven cavity and potentially causing a fire.

Can I leave the oven racks in during self-cleaning?

The self-clean cycle uses very high temperatures (up to 885F) to clean the oven interior. Remove: It is important to remove all items from the oven, including cooking probes, foil, silicone mats or liners, cookware, pans, etc. Racks should also be removed, except for "no scrub" or "self-clean" racks.

Can I use my oven if it smells like oven cleaner?

Additionally, always preheat the oven with the door open to allow any remaining fumes to dissipate fully before cooking. If you have any concerns about residual cleaner or odors, you can run a short self-cleaning cycle or wipe down the oven interior with a mild detergent and water before use.

Does self-cleaning oven clean glass door?

“The self-cleaning mode heats your oven up to 900 degrees and incinerates everything in the oven,” explains San Angelo. “This includes on the glass—you may still need to wipe the glass after the self-cleaning cycle is done, but always make sure your oven is fully cooled.”

Is leaving the oven on a fire hazard?

Unattended heat can catch fire if flammable objects are set too close. Even if you are monitoring the oven, the risk of fire is present.

How to soothe an oven burn?

Place the burned area under running water slightly colder than room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain eases. Or put a cool, clean, damp cloth on the burn. Be aware that the burned area may swell. Remove tight items, such as rings or clothing, from the burned area as quickly as possible.

When to go to the ER for burn?

Seek emergency care for more serious burns and for any burns to the eyes, mouth, hands, and genital areas, even if mild. If the burn covers a large area, get medical attention immediately.

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